Hat Care
Caring for your Hat
Storing your Hat
Hats are best stored in a box resting upside down on the crown, this is so the brim does not get misshapen. I also like to use tissue paper scrunched lightly under the crown and built up slightly so the crown is supported underneath, using this method the hat can remain upright in the box with the tissue taking pressure off the brim so it retains its shape.
Handling your Hat
Always handle your hat by the brim, not the crown. Over handling the crown (especially Panama’s) and pinching it can lead to the straw cracking.
Wet Hat
If wet Panama straw may shrink, it is best to leave to dry thoroughly. If marked use an eraser rubbing with with grain of the straw, for stubborn stains a baby wipe can be used, but be careful not to over wet as it may cause discolouration or misshape the hat. Avoid chemicals.
Fur felt is able to cope with being wet better than wool felt, if wet wool felt hats can shrink. Most felts can handle a little rain but not a soaking. If your hat does get wet it is best to leave to dry on a flat surface, so as it retains its shape.
Marks
Marks on fur felt hats are best treated with a suede brush or clothes brush, try to brush the mark/dirt out, if the mark still persists a baby wipe works wonders, allow to dry thoroughly before touching.
Loss of Shape
In the case of your hat losing shape. It can be reshaped by using the steam setting on your iron or boiling the kettle and holding the hat over the rising steam – be careful not to burn yourself with the steam, it can be very dangerous, take caution if using this method. While the hat is warm and flexible, reshape the hat back into the desired shape and leave to dry completely.